In McJoan's open thread, I discovered a former Republican, Rodney Tom, is planning to challenge Darcy Burner for the nomination to see who gets to beat up Dave Reichert. Now I don't mind primaries when there is a reason for them... particularly when the "established" candidate is a DINO, weak on the issues, or a bad candidate. But none of this is the case here. I don't see anything good coming out of Tom's candidacy. He won't beat Burner, won't advance the debate or bring up any new issues, and is running on the tired "centrist" (Republican-Lite) platform. This means he'll parrot the same themes Reichert uses when pretending to be an "independent" Republican, using his dollars and his name to give those themes more credence. Hence, my letter to him, which follows. You can write him yourself; his contact link is
here.
Re: Your primary challenge for US House District 8:
It's your time and money; you may use it as you wish. However, we already have a superb candidate, Darcy Burner, who will mop the floor with Dave Reichert this election. If you are, as you say, committed to ending the disastrous Bush policies, please consider volunteering for her campaign instead.
Former Republicans who are new converts to the Democratic cause such as yourself often bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, and it's only natural for you to want to aim high. But we don't really need another HD 8 candidate, particularly a "centrist compromiser". Reichert already owns that brand, though he doesn't deserve it. Competing on a Reichert-Lite (aka Bush-lite)platform against Darcy Burner will only reinforce Reichert's messages for the general election.
Although I live outside the 8th District, in the last election I walked neighborhoods for 4 weekends and donated $100 to the Burner campaign. I plan to increase my committment this cycle, and I'd prefer 100% of my donation and my efforts to go to unseating Reichert, rather than have some of it wasted defeating you. Please reconsider.
Sincerely,
(On Puget Sound)